Re-Gear Pulling Front Axles

[jeremywatco]

Evening,

Finally getting around to swapping the 3.50 front and back to 4.11 with the 33's I put on.

Trying to figure out what I'll need to bring to the shop. Assuming in the rear I can pull the axles and just unbolt the third member (leaving yoke attached) and pull it off and take to the shop.

The front on the other hand... I thought the front doesnt fit out of the case unless you have a special spreader or something.. so trying to figure out what I need to do to get it down to the shop? Leave the tubes attached and take the entire front off? I have new C-bushing.. maybe a good time to do that as well? I keep putting off the C-bushings as I've never found a safe way to lift the front frame off the ground.. I did a spring swap a long time ago and was scared for my life with a rigged up wood block.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, Jeremy

 

[Broncobowsher]

Before you remove the housing, take off the spindles. Much easier to do while it is held steady in the Bronco.
Then you remove the complete housing and take that in. The puller you are thinking of is part of the tools to set up the gears.

 

[jeremywatco]

Before you remove the housing, take off the spindles. Much easier to do while it is held steady in the Bronco.
Then you remove the complete housing and take that in. The puller you are thinking of is part of the tools to set up the gears.

Got it.. so for the rear I am correct in pulling the third member and bringing in right?

Any tips on jacking up the front frame to get the housing out? I dont have a jack or stands that are tall enough.

 

[billh1289]

I use these. Much safer than my usual redneck ways….
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093NBRHA/?tag=cbama-20

 

[.94 OR]

I'm assuming you are only doing gearing and not a full body off restore at the moment.

What about removing the rear 3rd member and having them regear, then after reinstall just drive the Bronco down and let them do the front in place, possible on a lift and saving yourself the hassle of removing the whole axle and transporting it, then reinstalling it.

I'm currently replacing R&P on the front of mine in my garage.

 

[EPB72]

I'm assuming you are only doing gearing and not a full body off restore at the moment.

What about removing the rear 3rd member and having them regear, then after reinstall just drive the Bronco down and let them do the front in place, possible on a lift and saving yourself the hassle of removing the whole axle and transporting it, then reinstalling it.

I'm currently replacing R&P on the front of mine in my garage.

My thoughts as well /\/\/\

 

[Timmy390]

My thoughts as well /\/\/\

X 3....the shop will put it up on a lift and do the work without removing the housing.

Tim

 

[DirtDonk]

And the real bonus of that method is that you get to find out if your choice of gearing was really the right one or not. Drive it for awhile before you take it in for the front end work.

Paul

 

[bax]

And the real bonus of that method is that you get to find out if your choice of gearing was really the right one or not. Drive it for awhile before you take it in for the front end work.

Paul

solid advice right there.

 

[Okie69]

Leaving the front Installed is easier on you, and my shop told me they prefer to do it with the housing installed instead of loose. That way it’s held in place. Just what they said, I’m sure somebody will chime in if that’s not true.

 

[Rustytruck]

If you drive it to them they will add more to the costs to redo the bearings and seals and you have to think about the front u-joints. what ever they touch they will want to fix and get paid for. could be a lot more especially if you are capable of doing the work everything will be checked on. they wont want liability for sub par assembly. not criticizing just be aware. a good shop would do this and a poor shop would on check the axles.